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Program Application

Applications for the 2024 cohort of World Science Scholars are now closed. We expect to open applications for the 2025 cohort of World Science Scholars this fall.

Eligibility Criteria

World Science Scholars selects the brightest young minds from around the world. To be eligible to apply, scholars must...

Be in high school or an accelerated middle school program and can complete the program prior to starting university

Demonstrate exceptional mathematical ability

Be highly motivated and are interested in learning outside the formal school setting

Be able to discuss complex mathematical and scientific ideas in English

Have access to a computer with good internet connectivity

Commit to an average of two hours per week during one academic year

The Application Process

The application consists of three components:

  • Student Application Form to be completed by the student
  • Parent/Guardian Recommendation Form to be completed by one of the student’s parents/guardians
  • Teacher/Mentor Recommendation Form to be completed by one of the student’s teachers/mentors

All forms and supporting materials must be submitted online in English. (Parents/guardians and teachers/mentors may use an online translation service to translate their responses into English.) No transcripts or test scores are required. To apply, you must complete and submit the three forms.

All three forms must be submitted in order for an applicant to be considered for admission.

Complete All Applications Forms Below

Student Application

Tell us about your academic history and why you should be selected to join our next cohort of scholars. This form is to be completed by the student.

View Application Form

Teacher / Mentor Recommendation

This form is to be completed by one of the student’s teachers/mentors.

View Recommendation Form

Parent / Guardian Recommendation Form

This form is to be completed by one of the student’s guardians.

View Recommendation Form

Application Deadline and Decision Timeline

  • All application materials must be submitted by April 15, 2025 at 11:59PM US Eastern Time.
  • Applicants will be notified of results before the end of June, 2025.
  • Students, parents/guardians, and teachers/mentors can go back and edit their online responses until the submission deadline. Incomplete and late applications will be penalized. Misrepresentation of information on the application will result in immediate disqualification.
  • Application and recommendation responses will remain confidential and will be used for internal review and evaluation purposes only. The World Science Festival does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. Please review our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, WSS is offered to accepted students 100% free of charge. Any resources necessary to complete a course are provided to students by WSF.

Lectures are recorded specifically for WSS and are taken asynchronously. Professors and expert teaching fellows join live calls on a weekly basis to discuss and expand on course material and to interact with the cohort.

While there are no formal age cutoffs for WSS, you must be able to discuss complex math and science topics at a deep level. You must also be able to participate in WSS for at least one year prior to entering college/university. Students who plan to take a gap year after high school are eligible to partake in WSS during their gap year.

A typical course runs 4–8 to weeks. All courses culminate in a live session with the course professor, during which scholars can ask any remaining questions they have.

Please email us at scholars@worldsciencefestival.com.